Assessment of planning abilities in individuals with mild cognitive impairment using an open-ended problem-solving task

Abstract

Introduction: There is currently limited research evaluating planning abilities, a core subcomponent of executive functioning, in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In the present study, we utilized the “Amap Task,” an open-ended problem-solving task, to separately evaluate the formulation and execution components of planning ability in individuals with MCI. Method: Thirty-seven cognitively healthy older adults and 37 individuals with MCI used a map layout of a university apartment to develop and write out a strategy (formulation stage) to successfully complete a list of tasks (e.g., retrieve and fill a water pitcher before placing it in the refrigerator). Subsequently, participants carried out the tasks in the apartment with the aid of their formulated plan (execution stage). Results: MCI participants performed more poorly than older adult (OA) controls during both the formulation and execution stages on measures of task accuracy and task efficiency. However, both groups were able to adjust and improve task accuracy and efficiency from formulation to task execution. Finally, MCI participants took significantly longer to complete the task and adhered less to their formulated plans during task completion. Conclusions: Using an open-ended problem-solving task, the findings revealed that individuals with MCI experienced difficulties with both the formulation and execution components of planning. Like controls, participants with MCI were able to successfully modify their plan online, improving their performance from task formulation to task execution.

Keywords:

• Planning
• Formulation
• Execution
• Mild cognitive impairment
• Aging
• Ecological validity
• Executive function

We thank Michael Burley and William Rosen for their assistance in scoring and organization of the Amap Task data. We also thank Jennifer Walker and Alyssa Weakley for their assistance in coordinating data collection as well as the members of the Aging and Dementia laboratory for their help with administration of the Amap Task. This study was partially supported by a grant from the Life Science Discovery Fund of Washington State; the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) [grant number R01 EB009675]; the National Science Foundation (NSF) [grant number DGE-0900781].